Pared the choices down to (2)... Thoughts?

[jbr1074]

Folks- I am hoping a wiser mind than I can help me split the bubble and get me new steel on my belt... I am truly stuck between the becker (ka-bar) bk5 (companion) and the bk7 (combat utility)... I like the blade thickness on the 5 (.25"), but don’t know if that drop point will work as well for hole boring, and other 'fine' drilling type work. Aside from a SHTF scenario, this would likely only be a tool or a hog-stopper, and for thrusting, I prefer the clip point of the bk7. Also- I prefer the 7's exposed tang at the butt for an impact tool, and also like the thumb ramp, though the jimping is so course I don’t know how useful it would be(gotta be better than nothing), and also dont know if the 7" might be too much steel. I am very fond of the 1095 steel and removeable scales, as living in a salt water enviornment, I need to be able to get behind them and clean/oil. The last issue would be the bk5 is .25 thick, and the 7 is .188… Not sure how relevant the difference is in camp-use applications. I can find either of these for respectable prices, but I am STUCK (pardon the pun) on just which one to go with… Thoughts?

 

[UpChUcK]

I have the Campanion BK2 and can easily recommend it as a tough, hard-use, utility, all-around type of survival knife. You are absolutely on the money about the thickness - most impressive! I intend to supplement it it a KaBar Large Heavy Bowie for chopping/batoning duties. I say get both or if you have to choose one, get the BK7 or a RAT 7 from Ontario or a RC-6 from RAT. The bigger size can give you more capabilities.

...oh, and Welcome to Blade Forums.